Truth for Our Babies group in Sussex respond to CQC Reports raitng Princess Royal and St Richard's Maternity Services as 'requires improvement'

“Five years on from when serious concerns were first raised about maternity failings occurring across University Hospitals Sussex, the latest CQC reports into maternity services at Princess Royal Hospital and St Richard's Hospital remains rated as 'requires improvement'. In spite of years of scrutiny, and assurances that improvements are being made, it's clear that these units remain unsafe. 

 

The reports identify persistent concerns including unresolved staffing issues, delays in assessment and treatment, failures in oversight and governance, and further regulatory breaches. Any positive findings within the reports do little to address the central issue that neither unit has been deemed safe, which should be a minimum standard. 

 

The CQC’s positive references to bereavement support are at odds with the experiences of many bereaved families within our group, who experienced poor support after the loss of their babies, losses that should never have happened. 

 

We are shocked and disappointed that the CQC’s response is now to continue monitoring the situation. Five years of monitoring has failed to deliver safe maternity care, so why should families have confidence that more of the same will achieve a different outcome.”

 

 

NOTES TO EDITORS  

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